Engineering Emotions

Today, I read a poster that said this:

When some one speaks, the following are what impact people
- Body language - 55%
- The way the speech (not necessarily a stage speech - even colloquial) is rendered - 38%
- The actual words - 5%

It rings true. If you say something, but the way you portray yourself is counter to that, people will probably receive what your portray with your body language. Ideally, it all should be in sync.

I think, the problem comes when people try to fix this. Typically, the way is to engineer the mannerisms to match the desired behavior.

"Excited tone of voice"
"Look straight at the audience"
"Make eye contact"
"Do not fiddle with your hair"
"Keep your hands loose by the side"

I think it all works - to an extent! The mannerisms or the portrayed behavior is a reflection of how the person is within. Engineering that would be more effective - all outside reflections would fall into place. Doing the reverse would work, provided it is handled with an understanding of the implications of what happens within when the outside is changed.